Freemason holds an appeal of being halted in time with its old-world architecture and homes that have been painstakingly well preserved over hundreds of years, resulting in a place that was named one of the American Planning Association’s top ten neighborhoods in America in 2013. There is always a light breeze that brings a calming kind of quiet, gently ushering you to marvel in the welcoming embrace of each street. As you walk toward the water’s edge to watch the sailboats swim into their docks, you may find your pace slow to a relaxed saunter. That’s due to the palpable feeling of every day being just like that peaceful lull after a fulfilling brunch on a Sunday afternoon. That brunch ought to be enjoyed at Cure Coffeehouse on Botetourt Street, where you can easily become friends with the lively and friendly staff, chatting away while sipping on a beautifully crafted cup of coffee, bloody Mary, or local brew and indulge in a mouth-watering meal.

If you’re in the mood to celebrate, or it’s date-night, stop by Omar’s Carriage House for the romantic atmosphere and a meal that will make you fall in love over and over again. Have a bottle of wine and stay awhile. Voila! Cuisine International is another lovely option for dining for that special business or romantic dinner, and Machismo Burrito Bar has your burrito fix covered.

While we clearly love to eat in this town, make no mistake that the residents and visitors also love a good workout. Luckily enough My Yoga Spirit yoga studio not only promotes the health of your mind and body, but a sense of relationship with your teachers and community. It is a wonderful place to unwind, to challenge and strengthen your whole self, and to be part of a growing population of creative and impactful people. Freemason also boasts a YMCA with a wide array of programs for the entire family.

Take time to get a little lost in your stroll. There are hidden treasures around just about every corner. One such gem being the Pagoda and oriental garden, tucked away on the edge of the Freemason Harbor. It provides a curious intrigue as it holds a vastly different ambiance from the rest of the neighborhood. The Pagoda, an ornately decorated gift from the Taiwanese, has become a staple for patio meals, sunset viewings, weddings, and picnics. The well-manicured oriental gardens surrounding the structure house a Koi pond and idyllic spots to sit and read a book or imagine you’re on an international vacation.

Freemason is in an idyllic and convenient spot for pedestrians, bikers, and view-seekers. Resident Rob Lemieux says, “I like how easy it is to walk anywhere. It’s a mile to Ghent and half to downtown. You get the best of both worlds and I really like being on the water and seeing the fireworks for all the festivals.”

There’s something to be said for this little slice of the world and all of its wonder. Everyday I find myself smiling as I continue to discover something new I’ve found to love about it; and when you love something you want to shout it from the rooftops. So, drop your car off at the mall and spend a day with us watching the ships go by. Have a drink and enjoy that sigh of relaxation that Freemason is so eager to provide.

Rose & Womble Realty Co. was born and bred in Hampton Roads – our owners live and work here in the Seven Cities. We are a family owned and operated business – with multiple generations working at all levels, from agents to managers. Our agents have access to the owners for guidance and advice. Our mangers meet regularly with the owners, face­-to­-face, to discuss real estate in Hampton Roads. Our Board of Directors members are consistently asked to speak about local real estate issues. The

leadership within the company is LOCAL – not out of state – but right here in Hampton Roads.

We believe that people are more important than houses – it’s our motto because it’s true. We live it

everyday when we see a family close on their first house, or help a military service member move his

But being local doesn’t mean being small or old fashioned – we have Resale, Property Management, and New Homes Divisions. We own our own residential real estate research firm and have our own title and settlement company. We have a great mortgage partner with another local firm Monarch Bank. Our agents have access to a full­time marketing department and IT department. We constantly offer training, technology upgrades, and leading industry experts to our agents and clients.

Kari Redman is a manager at Cure Coffeehouse and Brasserie and has been lovingly dedicated to this shop job for over three years. Though originally from Lynchburg, Va, she's lived in Norfolk for seven years and has tripped on just about every curb and cobblestone in downtown. An avid coffee connoisseur, amateur mixologist, photographer, and sometimes-designer, she has too many hobbies to keep track of. Her passions lie in helping people and small businesses reach their greatest potential as well as travelling as often as her schedule allows. She firmly believes that a good sense of humor, a Netflix account, and strong friendships are necessary for a great life.